How To Make Numbers Meaningful
Numbers are boring. Every time I see blocks of number on a page, I immediately assume it’s out of my league to understand. And there is the problem.
When drawn from reputable references, numbers and statistics can be an excellent way to support any assertions you make in your writing. Sound math, after all, is indisputable, especially when it’s singled out from an expert source.
Throwing numbers all by themselves, though, isn’t enough. Without meaningful context, most readers will take one glance at your statistics and end up with a knot in their eyebrow. Unless your audience consists of a tightly-knit group of experts, there’s a good chance they won’t be able to intelligently figure out what bare numbers refer to.
A More Relevant Context
Providing context is good. Churning out one that’s completely relevant to your target audience is even better. Interpret the numbers, explain them in a way that your readers can relate to and you’ll end giving them a deeper meaning.
When you provide context, you generally do it by citing what the statistic means. Making it relevant involves detailing what it means for your reader. Writing it out so you’re talking to your reader and fitting it into their everyday lives is a whole other thing – and it’s one that should prove as effective as your use of a writing software if you’re looking to affect your audience.